Dr Stefano Gaburro has a strong academic background in preclinical research (mainly neuroscience).
In his former role at DSI and now at Tecniplast, Dr Gaburro has helped researchers refine their scientific approaches to improve their methodologies and use of lab products. Aside of his primary role, he has also served as Steering Committee member for the American Physiological Society (Neuroscience and Physiology in Industry) for many years.
Title: Home Cage Monitoring: A New Era in Animal Welfare and Scientific Precision.
Summary: The advent of home cage monitoring systems marks a transformative era in animal research, harmonizing the imperatives of animal welfare with the precision of scientific inquiry. These systems, equipped with AI-assisted technology, have opened new frontiers in both real-time welfare assessment and advanced phenotyping, particularly in the context of neurological disorders like ALS. At the forefront of these advancements is the integration of AI algorithms in home cage monitoring, revolutionizing the assessment and management of animal welfare. This technology allows for continuous, non-invasive monitoring of animal behavior, improving the detection and understanding of various welfare indicators. For instance, AI algorithms have been developed to detect anomalies in behavior, such as automated fighting detection, which is critical for maintaining a stress-free environment for the animals. This aspect of monitoring is pivotal, as it not only ensures humane treatment but also contributes to the reliability of scientific data, as stress can significantly influence experimental outcomes. Further, the application of these systems in scientific research, particularly in disease models, has been groundbreaking. In the study of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) using SOD1 mouse models, home cage monitoring systems have demonstrated their capacity to track changes in locomotion patterns. This continuous monitoring enables researchers to detect early markers of disease progression, providing invaluable insights that could lead to the development of therapeutic interventions. The technology's ability to track subtle behavioral changes offers a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms, essential for advancing research in neurodegenerative diseases. In conclusion, home cage monitoring systems represent a significant stride in the convergence of technology and biology. They offer a practical solution to the ethical and scientific challenges in animal research, aligning with the principles of humane treatment and high-quality data collection. As such, these systems are an indispensable tool in advancing our understanding of complex diseases and the development of new treatments, embodying the future of humane and advanced research methodologies.
- Speaker
- Dr Stefano Gaburro
- Hosted by
- Dr Brendan Gabriel
- Venue
- The Rowett Institute
- Contact
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Staff and students only